We're back...

Sorry for the radio silence. I was going through a period where I was eliminating caffiene from my diet. What a foolhardy experiment.

Today, I would like to review the coffee they serve at First Watch, a brunch chain in Ohio, Florida, and a few other states. They serve Sunrise Select, a premium, full-flavored coffee. They bring a pot to your table so you can refill your cup as often as you like. And they will keep it coming if you ask. :) The one I frequent also provides free small cups of coffee on Sunday morning when they are at their busiest and you have to wait a while. It's a nice touch. Of course, it seems wrong not to order a cup once you sit down, after you've been guzzling it for free. Not that I haven't done it. ::whistles and walks away::

The Sunrise Select has a nice rich flavor. A good "wake up" coffee to get you going in the morning. Excellent unsweetened when eating pancakes or waffles. Add a little sugar if you like as you eat your omelets. I find this coffee better than most restaurant offerings. Definitely better than IHOP's. I had that recently and it was drekkish and 1 cup at best. The Sunrise Select gets 3.5 cups. $1.99 for all you can drink.

Hot in the Milky Way…

Outside in…

It’s a song, okay? Trust me, it is!

Anyway, it’s back to Coffee Emporium for a hot coffee. I get the Milky Way which is dark chocolate and caramel flavors in a latte. I order a 20 oz with whip for $4.50. I still need to order a regular coffee. The purist form. Because syrupy things mask how good the actual coffee is. As is the case with the Milky Way. Opposite of the superior Glacial I had before, the Milky Way is entirely too sweet. It is still rich tasting, but very sugary. The coffee flavor is hidden. This gets 3 cups. It’s fine. Better than drinkable and I would gladly consume it if I were given one. But I will most likely not order and pay for it again. The friend I was with ordered the same thing and also was not satisfied.

I did get a chance to check out the indoor seating upstairs though. Plenty of tables and outlets. I just don’t like that you can’t go down to the counter and still keep an eye on your belongings.

The outside seating is lovely. Various tables, benches and logs to sit on outside. Coffee Emporium closed at 8pm on this particular day, but we were still allowed to sit outside and hang out. They have a lot of seating in the back, but I assume this is mostly for Sunday’s Wafflemania! But maybe not. Maybe they get busy enough to utilize all of that space at various times which would be awesome.

At work. Must have coffee.

I would guess it’s due to the economy, but my workplace has switched from the Folgers coffee packs to 100% Arabica Premium Ground Coffee (yes, all caps!) distributed by Sam’s West, Inc.

When I opened the one pot package, it smelled like coffee. It smelled pretty good actually, but I’ve long been a fan of the way coffee smells before I ever started drinking it.

I made a pot. Poured a cup. Took a sip. It tastes like coffee, but it’s nothing special. Hey, what do you want for free? It’s probably just as good as Folgers. Not as good as the Folgers Gourmet Selections, but good enough. I give it a 2 cup rating.

Two reviews in one...

One from small city Illinois. The other from Cincinnati, OH!

Spring. Warm weather. This requires frozen drinky drinks.

Review #1: Back in Freeport, Illinois, Cafe Mondo gets the downtown crowd. I need to go back and try their regular coffee, but on this gorgeous spring day it's all about the chilled, icy drinks. I get to the door and by the sign I see that they have just closed although there is someone sitting at a table. I go in anyway and ask if I can get a drink to go. They gladly oblige me. I almost ordered a caramel, but the barista told me they also had Java Mint. Well, why isn't that on the chalkboard menu? Put it up there! Mint! Chocolate! Good! After plopping down $3 and some change for a large, I get my sweet, coffee goodness with whipped cream on top. The only problem is that there's too much sweet. Not enough coffee. The syrup should not mask the flavor of coffee in a coffee drink. It's still tasty, but if I wanted a shake, I would have gotten that. This is coffee! Their Java Mint gets 3 stars for lack of coffee flavor.

The shop itself has a nice urban feel with picture windows looking into the "city". Plenty of tables and artwork. It has what Higher Grounds lacks as far as atmosphere. I could easily see myself bringing a laptop and working here if only they stayed open later. They close at 3pm. I wonder why they don't stay open and go after the movie-goers that will be down the street that evening? I wonder if it would be worth it to them? It would be worth it to me!

Review #2: Another warm day with a taste for frozen coffee. I know of a coffee shop that I haven't frequented yet that's on my way home. I stop at Coffee Emporium in East Hyde Park, Cincy, OH. They have nice outdoor seating which I shall utilize someday. I don't know why, but I don't take a peek upstairs to see what the indoor seating is like. That's a mission for another visit on another day.

After perusing their menu (they also have scrummy looking cookies and waffles! Waffles! I'm totally coming back to check their Sunday waffle dealio!), I order a Glacial Mudslide with whip which costs $3.75 for a 12 oz. It is a chocolate/caramel blend. It's very rich. Very flavorful. And the coffee taste shines through. Mmm, Mmm good! A chocolate ring around the sides of the cup makes it look pretty. This is heavenly and what a frozen coffee drink should be. Again, I need to come back and try the regular coffee to see if it compares to Lookout Joe. They also sell tasty chocolates such as Ritter Sport with Cornflakes. That candy bar is the bomb dot com. The Glacial Mudslide gets the magical 5 cup rating.

Bliss!

Perfection in a cup, thy name is Triple Bliss!

With your whipped cream and chocolate drizzle toppings, your three kinds of chocolate in a scrumptious latte, how can I go wrong? I ordered one at Higher Grounds coffee in Freeport, Illinois. When the friend I was meeting saw my drink, her eyes bugged out and she promptly ordered the same thing.

Such decadence. Such chocolately goodness. My friend couldn't finish hers because it was so rich, but as I used to say when I was a kid, "I drank mine all gone."

Although Higher Grounds has many of the things that other excellent shops do (i.e. colorful scheme, local artists displaying their work on the walls, fireplace surrounded by comfy chairs, students and laptop users at various tables, a nicely cluttered counter where the register is) the place itself seems a little plain. Too much open space? Not enough urban feel? Don't focus on that. Focus on the coffee. If you are hungry, Higher Grounds also offers scones, sandwiches, and soups, but my heart belongs to the coffee.

Mmm... The coffee. Bucket of Gold is a caramel taste sensation which gets 4.5 cups. But Triple Bliss. You, Triple Bliss, shall get 5 cups.

So many choices, so little time

Lookout Joe in Mt. Lookout has a wonderful coffee bar of sorts. Each day, they have about 6 different coffees, some decaf, to choose from. And the choices vary from day to day. Today, I was torn between the Sumatran Fair Trade Italian Roast and the Tiramisu. The need for a major caffiene boost won me over. I went with the Sumatran. Rich. Bold. I probably would have needed an additional packet of Splenda if I had been drinking it with nothing else to consume, but the chocolate croissant I ordered for breakfast helped sweeten it up. Perfectly.

The nice think about Lookout Joe is that when you order a plain coffee, the first refill is free and then a dollar after that. So, I tried about a half cup of the Tiramisu. Mild. Light. Good drinking coffee when you don't need to be over caffieneated. I also loooove their Highland Grog for this very reason. I could drink cups of it and be happy.

The Sumatran, 3.5 cups. The Tiramisu and their Highland Grog, 4 cups.

Hot chocolate, with a twist

Okay, yeah, this is a coffee blog, but not even I can drink coffee all the time. And since today was Big Sad Day in my department, a mocha just wasn't enough. Full on chocolate was the way to go. And now Starbucks has their new signature hot chokkies. The one that intrigued me was the Salted Caramel Signature Hot Chocolate. If you're one of those salty/sweet, "I like chocolate covered potato chips" type of people, or you put peanuts in your Mountain Dew like one of my former bosses is known to do, then you will like this hot chocolate. It has a unique flavor... Sweet buttery caramel... special sea salt topping... whipped cream. It's quite good, but oh, so bad for you. I ordered a grande and I think I consumed over 600 calories in one beverage. Holy frijoles! Make it a skim and skip the whip and you'll cut 130 calories.

Save this for a bad day. It will help a little. I want to say it's $4.29 or so? I didn't have to pay for it, so I didn't pay attention. It was a treat from a co-worker for Big Sad Day. 4.5 cups.

No Coffee Toffee?

I'm back. My computer died, and as I was job hunting/editing novels, this took a backseat to all of the things that NEEDED to be done. I have so much coffee to revisit and write up, but it will come in time.

Joseph Beth's is an excellent local bookseller with locations in both Cincinnati, OH and Lexington, KY. They also have Bronte Bistro where you can get coffee drinks (or lunch if you so desire). As it was one of the last 80 degree days of the year, I wanted something cold. The barista recommended a blended coffee. I asked about flavorings and she said it had a hint of a chocolate taste to it, otherwise no flavors. So, no Java Julep type stuff here? I'm sure they'd give it to me if I asked for it, but you can't just order something called a Raspberry Grasshopper. You have to order a blended coffee with a shot of raspberry syrup and a shot of mint? Or whatever's in those things.

The blended coffee... Smooth, good, and made my grocery shopping trip much more enjoyable. It doesn't really need extra flavoring. The hint of chocolate was just fine. A medium costs $3.99. 4 out of 5 cups.

Needs more caramel, please!

I must admit, I've been broke. So, I haven't been able to try anything terribly new, as I've either been making coffee that's already been reviewed at home, or drinking drek. Today is the first new report I've had to bring you.

Thornton's gas station. I think they have Dunkin' Donuts coffee, which is pretty darn good. But the display of options that goes along with it is a dream come true. Push a button on machine and it gives you sugar. Another machine dispenses cream. So, no making a mess when you peel open the little plastic tubs of creamer like at most gas stations. There's another machine that puts a tiny shot of liquid flavoring if you prefer, but when you push the button for that, it doesn't give you much. I usually have to push the button on the large coffee selection three times before I get something I can deal with. Anyhoo, there's hazelnut, french vanilla, caramel, and two other flavoring options. I just feel like I would have to push the button ten times just to get flavor at all. Maybe I need to be more of a purist and not need flavorings. ::shrug:: But it's $1.05 if you bring a to-go cup.

A good solid cup of coffee. Three out of five cups.

Mmm... Brew

Java Brewing Co., Cherokee Triangle roast. Good stuff. 4 cups out of 5. Perfect flavor. Good sweetened and creamed. I don't think you can get a cup of coffee here and go wrong. $1.50 or so if you have their to-go cup. Which is a pretty good deal if you ask me. Good coffee. Good deal. Good place to get some work done, provided that it isn't too busy and you can get near an outlet.

I've been putting this one off...

All right. I went to Heine Bros. today because that's where some of my friends meet up on Sundays. Because I'm broke I got a regular coffee. I put some cream and sugar in it. I drank it. I am not a fan of Heine Bros. coffee. In fact it gets 2 cups out of 5. I don't prefer it, I don't think it's great, but it's not revolting (0 cups) or barely drinkable (1 cup). So, why did I order it again? Because I keep hoping that I'm wrong. HB is a popular place in Louisville. It's locally owned. And I want to like it. But I don't. There's just this really bitter taste to it that I don't care for. I like their chai tea pretty well. Otherwise. Eh. $1.80-something if you have the plastic cup.

I will stick to locally owned places like Highland and Java Brewing Co., keep checking out Ray's and Quills, and see what else is out there.

There, I said it. All of you HB fans, please don't hate me.

Sometimes you feel like a nut. Sometimes you don't.

Today, I'm consuming a medium-sized cup of Highland Coffee's Vanilla Nut house coffee. It has a vanilla flavor and a nutty flavor, so it is aptly named. The coffee definitely tastes nuttier than it tastes of vanilla though. Eh, I've never been a vanilla superfan anyway... I like it. It tastes good, but it will never be chocolate or peanut good in my opinion.

The coffee is mild, but satisfying. It gets 3 cups out of 5. I would give it a higher rating, because I think the flavor could be a little bolder. But in my rating system, a 3 cup-rated coffee is still a good choice... You can't go wrong... but it won't knock your socks off. Cost: $2 plus tip.

In a caramel sort of mood...

I went to Quills Coffee and Books for the first time, although I had been wanting to check it out for over a year. It's a proper coffee shop, a bit more urban in feel once you walk in with nice picture windows and plenty of seating. I like the olive green walls, the wood trim, and the crisp straight lines.

On to the coffee. I ordered a medium caramel latte. Very light. Slightly sweet. An excellent coffee:milk ratio. Extremely yummy for $3.75. 5 cups for this drink because it's perfection in a cup. But maybe it's because I'm partial to caramel. Honestly, without the caramel, I know I would still really enjoy the latte. I can tell. I think they serve Sunergo's Coffee... which is another destination I need to hit.

They also serve a lot of tea drinks that I would like to come back and try. Plus, I got a lot of writing work today. Low distractions, ample parking, and a lot of drink choices mean I'll be back.

I'm going to be up all night...

I tempted fate after drinking the Shockwave. I met with friends at Barnes and Noble and tried out the new Art of Espresso drinks that their Starbucks Cafe is now serving. I had a buy one get one free coupon, so I decided to get two talls and try two different kinds out, asking the barista to make one now and then the other later, which they happily agreed to do.

Both drinks were topped off with a crisscross of caramel or chocolate syrup, which doesn’t belong on espresso, but whatever. I don't know if this was the sole additional flavoring of the espresso or if there was another shot of caramel/mocha in the espresso itself.

Drink #1: Caramel Macchiato… Tasty. Mild. Would recommend this again. 4 cups.

Drink #2: Marble Mocha Macchiato… Decaf. After the Shockwave and the first espresso drink, I decided decaf would be the wise way to go. With the first couple of sips, I thought the decaf made the drink taste kind of eh, but I later determined it was the syrup. It was rich but... metallic. Sort of. It just didn't seem right. It wasn't bad, just a little off. 3 cups.

Because of the BOGO, the two talls were $3 total.

Caffiene + Energy = Shaky Typing

Auuggh! Coffee! Caffiene! Energy! All in one cup! My head is going to explode!

Today, I tried the Shockwave energy coffee. Because apparently, caffiene just isn't enough to get you through the day... you need added energy too! I don't really know what this added energy consists of as Speedway doesn't have it on their website... just that their coffee is gourmet. I actually got a cup on the way to the gym and added some French Vanilla creamer. Had a couple of sips before I went in and then polished it off when I got back in the car. I don't actually recommend coffee before working out, but I digress.

At $1.29, you get 20 ounces. Bring your own travel cup and it'll cost you 80 cents. Again, I push the travel cup. Get their saver card and you're earning a free cuppa every 6 coffee purchases. Auugh it's starting to sound like a commercial! Anyway, the Shockwave coffee gets 3 cups. A good all purpose cup of coffee for a good price.

Let the commercial continue... Also of note, coffee that's fast and convenient doesn't get any faster or more convenient than at Speedway. They have three or four selections of coffee daily plus the cappuccino/hot chocolate machine. Most stores have a great selection of creamers and sweeteners too, so if you're on the go, you really can't go wrong with their coffee.

I'll let you know what happens in a couple of hours after I've finished the coffee, caffiene crash-wise

Spring is here... Time for frozen drinks!

And now for something completely different.

One of my favorite coffee al fresco places is Java Brewing Co. on Frankfort Avenue. Their frozen drinks are awesome, but not for calorie counters.

So, in honor of spring and the frozen coffee drink, that is what I ordered today... I got a Java Julep, which is a favorite of mine. My other favorite is the Coffee Toffee, but since it's spring, I went with the Julep. It's mint, chocolate, and coffee all wrapped up in a blended drink. Cool and refreshing, I'm giving it 5 cups out of 5, because it's just that good.

I'm also just going to tell you right now, that their medium and dark roast coffees are at the top of my own personal list of coffee favorites, right along with Highland Coffee. Yes, I even like them better that Starsucks. They are that good. And the people who work here are very friendly. For a foodie treat, they have excellent brie and bread. Now you know. Go here.

Dark Roast, please!

It's been a while that I've gone out for coffee, but that will change next week. During an afternoon walk, I went to Ray's Monkey House and got a medium coffee. "Medium or dark roast?" they ask. Dark roast. Definitely dark roast. Mmmm... Coffee.

I got the Papua New Guinea Kimel... $2. It's good. That'll keep you walking for sure. Half and halfed and Splenda'd, I made my way down Bardstown Road, much happier than before. It gets 3.5 cups out of 5.

I was bad though and forgot a to-go cup, but Ray's uses eco friendly cups, so I didn't feel as bad as when I went in and realized I didn't have my cup. I'm putting this on my regular roster of coffee houses to visit, which also includes Highland Coffee and Java Brewing Co.

Third time's the charm...

Due to a tight budget this month, I bought a bag of coffee for $5 to make at home rather than go out and get a cup for around $2. Because I was so taken with the Folgers Gourmet Selections Caramel Drizzle, I thought I'd give the Vanilla Biscotti a try. I do want to try out the Dunkin' Donuts and Caribou Coffee offerings, but we will try that another time. When I have more cash.

The FGS Vanilla Biscotti smells awesome. After making it, I left the flat for a bit and when I came back, the aroma of coffee and vanilla filled the room. Sadly, it is not as good as the Caramel Drizzle. Don't get me wrong... it's not bad at all. I prefer the other one though. And in drinking it, is it strange that I taste more biscotti than vanilla? Seriously. It seems like there's this crisp cookie flavor to it. This flavor gets 3 cups. Not bad, but I will probably go with a different flavor next time, and the Caramel Drizzle for sure.

Round 2 of home brew

I woke up needing coffee. Needing it bad. I saw something in my sister's cabinet that intrigued me. Folger's Gourmet Selections Caramel Drizzle. I'm not a fan of anything that says Folgers, but can anything that says Caramel Drizzle be bad? I suppose this flavor and others like Vanilla Biscotti, Chocolate Truffle, and Hazelnut Crème is Folgers' answer to the kind of coffees I prefer. It's even packed to appeal to coffee snobs.

So, I make a whole pot for myself and the 4 other people in the house. If I pour myself a second cup, it's usually good coffee. Deffo got that second cup. It's a fairly light roast, so I wouldn't make it to help me wake up in an instant... I definitely could have used some stronger stuff that morning. It would be better as after dinner coffee rather than breakfast. I would consider buying some for home, depending on my budget and what my tastebuds want. Sweetened or unsweetened, I liked it. 4 out of 5 cups.

Two great tastes that taste great together

Okay, now to test some ground coffee, made at home.

Yes, I gave up sweets for Lent, but coffee does not fall under sweets for me. When we woke up Friday morning, after the long drive and the miserable fast food coffee, we decided to make some Royal Cup Coffee Bavarian Chocolate flavored to eat with our pancakes.

It helps that I'm decent at making coffee. Good flavor. Good with International Delight creamer. Good enough for a second cup. I'm going to give it a 3.5 out of 5 cups, because it was good, but not Vienna Cinnamon good or cappuccino good. But good.